``Federal regulators are considering giving mortgage lenders protection from certain lawsuits, according to people familiar with the matter, a move designed to encourage lending to well-qualified borrowers.

The potential move, which would be a partial victory for mortgage lenders, is part of a broader effort to write new rules for the U.S. housing market in the wake of the mortgage meltdown. The proposal for the first time would establish a basic national standard for loans, known as a "qualified mortgage."''